When asked, "What attracts you to Japan?" Many Japanese people will answer, "Japan's stunning and beautiful nature."
In fact, since nature attractions account for a large percentage of the reasons why tourists visit Japan, it can be said that "the beautiful nature" is an unquestionable appeal of Japan. However, natural environments such as mountains, oceans, rivers, and grasslands exist in every country. Then, why is it that Japan's nature has become so loved by the rest of the world?
The secret lies in the Japanese "aesthetics" of nature and the distinct "four seasons." In this issue, we will dive deeper into Japanese nature, focusing on these two aspects.
Coexisting with Nature
Japanese people appreciate beauty in what changes with the passage of time. For example, cherry blossoms in full bloom are beautiful, but cherry blossoms that fall are also beautiful. No matter what color or form they take, as long as they are in their natural state, the Japanese perceive the sentiment and elegance of nature in them.
Another reason why nature has been preserved in Japan is because of the many natural disasters that have occurred in the past. Earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and other natural disasters are a result of Japan's particular geographical conditions, but in the past, Japanese people have often considered them to be punishment for human intrusion into nature. Since then, Japanese people have always kept a moderate distance from nature, believing that it has a will and feelings and deserves to be respected.
In this way, we are still able to enjoy pristine nature in Japan as a result of our preference, respect, and coexistence with nature in its natural environment.
What are the Four Seasons in Japan?
There are many other countries that have four seasons. However, there is probably no other country in the world where the individual features of each season are more clearly apparent than in Japan. For this reason, the concept of enjoying with all the senses, the changes in the surrounding environment brought about by the four seasons is deeply rooted in Japan.
For example, many seasonal events are held throughout the year in Japan. This is because people sense the coming of the seasons through events such as appreciating nature and eating seasonal foods. Also, when conversing with others, people often talk about season-related topics such as "It's getting colder" or "It's time for cherry blossom viewing," which is evidence that Japanese people are always conscious of nature in their daily lives.
Perhaps the four seasons in Japan, which can be felt so directly, may be uncomfortable or inconvenient for foreigners. However, it is because of these four seasons that Japan's nature is so exciting. From here, we will introduce the appeal of each of the four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Spring
Spring is very pleasant with a mild climate. Cherry blossoms, planted everywhere in Japan, also bloom beautifully in spring and create a tranquil atmosphere for people. "Hanami," or cherry blossom viewing, is a springtime activity where people enjoy eating and socializing under the cherry blossoms in parks and along riversides. Because the fleeting cherry blossoms in full bloom can only be seen for a few weeks, their beauty can be enjoyed year after year.
Summer
Summer is a hot, humid, and slightly difficult season to live in. In particular, the humidity and dampness can make even breathing uncomfortable, which can be a tough environment for foreigners who are not accustomed to it. Another feature of summer is the abundance of typhoons. It is not unusual for several typhoons to hit Japan within a few months.
But of course, summer also has its merits. Fireworks, a summer tradition, is a major event typical of Japan. Fireworks, which are handmade one by one by skilled artisans, have a mysterious charm that is both dynamic and at the same time delicate. The sight of people in yukatas (light cotton kimono) looking up at the sky while fanning themselves with uchiwas (Japanese fans) is very picturesque.
Autumn
With the summer heat subsiding, autumn is one of the most comfortable times of the year. It is the best time of year to do practically any activity, so much that there are Japanese sayings such as "autumn is the season for sports" and "autumn is the season for reading."
Autumn is also when the leaves turn red. The mountains are covered in bright red, and their beauty is so captivating that it takes one's breath away. There are places where you can enjoy the autumn leaves while soaking in a hot spring or viewing them against the backdrop of an elegant temple. It offers a wide selection of ways to be enjoyed.
Autumn is also the time of harvest and known as "the season for eating" because of the abundance of delicious foods that can be found here. Whether it is fish, vegetables, or fruits, there are many foods available in this season, making it the perfect season for the foodie in you.
Winter
Japan has a relatively mild climate, but do not underestimate the coldness of winter. Many regions are covered with snow, and in the northern parts of the country, it is not unusual for snow to fall to the point where people are completely buried under it.
Although snow in Japan can be an inconvenience for daily life, it is ideal for leisure activities. Japan offers the highest quality of powder snow. It has been called "JAPOW (Japan Powder)" for its superb quality. Snow-covered areas such as Hokkaido and Nagano are the dream destinations for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world, and many people visit Japan just to play in JAPOW.
Top 3 Nature Spots in Japan
Japan is home to many world-class natural wonders. While any one of them is sure to captivate you, we have carefully selected three of the top natural attractions that have fascinated people with their astounding beauty and will introduce them here.
Ryusendo Cave
"Ryusendo Cave" is one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan, located in Iwate Prefecture. It is also designated as a national natural monument.
Visitors can explore 700 meters of caves, but the actual total length of the cave is over 5,000 meters. When you step into the interior of one of these Ryusendo Caves, you will find an underground lake so clear that you will not believe your eyes. The hazy, bluish-white surface of the lake creates a magical and mystical atmosphere that will draw you in.
It is as if you have stepped into another world, and you will feel the thrill that only a cave like this can offer. It is a natural attraction, which can be visited throughout the year.
Onyu Pass
The "Onyu Pass" crosses over Shiga and Fukui Prefectures.
It is one of the most beautiful and unexplored places in Japan to view autumn leaves. Moreover, if your timing is good, you can see the autumn leaves surrounded by a sea of clouds. The scene is so stunning and picturesque that it is hard to believe it is real.
If you are planning a visit, aim for early mornings from October to December, when the sea of clouds is most likely to appear. From spring to summer, you can see the mountains in all their green color, and in winter, you can see the mountains shining in a silvery white, so no matter when you visit, you will not regret it, and you will be able to appreciate the beautiful "Onyu Pass" as it is.
Zao Snow Monsters
The Zao Mountains are located on the border of Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures.
It is also famous as a ski resort, but in the winter season, "snow monsters" appear. They are trees covered in ice, created when water at temperatures below zero freezes the moment it touches the trees. Towering majestically in the snowy landscape, they are indeed monsters. Since this phenomenon is caused by a combination of various weather conditions occurring miraculously, it is rarely seen outside of Japan.
